‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Book Eight,
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Western Romance Series

Skye MacLaren’s life
revolves around her family and the fierce bucking bull stock they provide to
rodeos. She’s competitive and competent, having no room in her life for a
relationship—including one with a world champion rider and business competitor.

Gage Templeton’s rodeo
past and executive position with a national bucking stock supplier assures him
of exciting work and nights with any woman he chooses. He’ll let no one get
close—until his company partners with a competitor, forcing him to work with
the one woman who could turn his resolve upside down.

Knowing a relationship is the last
thing either needs, both charge ahead, certain they can keep their explosive
feelings for each other in check—and away from curious family and friends.
Continuing their secret encounters becomes even harder when outside forces
threaten both their businesses and the people they care about.

As Gage works to discover the threat
meant to cripple his company, Skye’s doubts increase. She wants more from the
most magnetic man she’s ever known, but protecting her heart must come first.

Desire, distrust, fear, and the pain
of the past cloud their minds, even as they work together to identify the
danger. Can two strong, determined people conquer the perils to their lives as
well as their hearts?

‘Til the Sun Comes Up, book eight in
the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary western romance series, is a
full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.

Excerpt:

“If we do decide to go through with this, I need to be clear. I’m not
looking for a relationship. I’ve been down that road once and don’t intend to
ever travel it again. Fact is, I haven’t been with a woman more than once in
years. Don’t even know the names of most of them. If that makes me sound like a
jerk, I guess that’s what I am. But with you…”

Her chest squeezed as she
waited for him to continue.

Reaching out, he took her
hand. “You have to be certain you can accept me on my terms.”

Skye bit her lip, willing
herself to stay calm. “Then I suppose you should be clear as to what they are.”

Dropping her hand, he sat
down on the bed, patting the spot beside him.

“I’d rather stand.” Skye
clasped her hands in front of her.

He leaned forward, resting
his arms on his thighs, catching her gaze with his. “All right. We see each
other when we can, when it’s convenient. No expectations, no late night calls,
no drama. I’m free to see other women, and you’re free to see other men.”

“No.”

He straightened. “No? If
that’s your answer, I’ll walk out now.”

Turning away, she worked to
compose herself. She didn’t know why she even considered his demands, except
for one thing. She felt the same about all of it, other than one point.

“I’m good with it all…” She
hesitated.

“Except?”

“You don’t see other women,
and I don’t see other men. It’s non-negotiable for me, Gage. I’m not looking
for a relationship, either, but I’m also not looking to feel cheap or used.”

Gage stood, holding a hand toward
her. “Skye—”

“Please, let me finish.” She
turned away, gathering her thoughts. “I can live with seeing each other when it
works for both of us. No drama, no commitment. Easy and infrequent.” She
whipped back around, pinning him with a hard stare. “If you need to be with
other women, I’m not the person for this kind of arrangement.”

He winced at the description
and the terse tone. “What happens if one of us wants to start seeing someone
else?”

“A simple phone call should
work.” Her voice remained steady. She didn’t know why it hurt to say it out
loud.

Gage walked up to her and
placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice low and rough. “The last thing I
want is to hurt you. You have to know I’m not a good bet. This could last a few
nights or much longer. Either way, I don’t want anything permanent, and I want
to walk away as friends.”

“I’m a big girl, Gage. I
don’t want or need anything more than seeing each other whenever we have time.
Is that fair?”

His nostrils flared. Studying
her face, he saw no sign she didn’t believe her own words. Dropping his hands
from her shoulders, he picked up his hat, settling it on his head.

Her brows drew together. “Are
you leaving?”

“It’s best. You need to be
sure it’s what you want. Truthfully, so do I.”

She didn’t like it, but knew
he was right. “I leave tomorrow.”

“Change your flight to
Sunday.” He smiled. “Please. I’d like to see you tomorrow, show you more of the
city, take you downtown for dinner.” Stepping closer, he cupped her face in his
hands, the kiss slow and warm. Groaning, he stepped away. “Change your flight,
Skye.”

Bio:

Shirleen Davies
writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in
Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San
Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she
provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real
passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find
redemption through love and acceptance.
She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.